Identity and Social Media
It would be remiss in studying social media’s effects without analyzing the ‘social’ aspect of digital connectivity. Social studies attempt to explain how people see themselves, relate with others, and the various roles in society. Social media cuts across space and time by creating a village of individuals with similar interests, socializing, and sharing their unique experiences. However, these close-knit groups are made up of specific individuals with unique characteristics. Examining social, self, and social self-identity are critical to understanding social media.
Self-Identity
Self-identity consists of the qualities, beliefs, and behaviors that an individual possesses and demonstrates. These beliefs they fixed and consistent as the same individual demonstrates them. They form the fundamental person as they are the sum of their existence. As people create digital identities, these unique identifiers differentiate one person from another. These markers are critical in curating one’s place amongst people in society. People associate themselves with a social circle accommodating their unique qualities, beliefs, and behaviors. A person demonstrating social skills may pick up a hobby such as cooking to draw people closer to them. They would attempt to find people who share the same interest in food.